help anyone we have volvo v40 thought it would be a good tow for 1100 kw van strugglinjg on incline want to change would love a 4x4 but think would be too much.Any advice on best budget car to tow with?
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 15/8/2009
dont mention the timing belt(s) on the pajero. Quite an expensive job i think. Mate had one & did it himself said took him a few hours to do it.
strange because it aint got a timing belt...its a chain ???
There are a number of older 4x4s around well under £2000. Avoid anything newer than 2000 as you are going to get robbed on the road tax. A few options on your budget are
Mitsubushi Pajero,
(Plenty of people love them, personally I find the ride a bit too harsh)
Toyota Hilux Surf,
(Of all the 4x4s probably the best ride. the 2.4 engine suffers from cracking of the cylinder head but not an issue on the 3.0)
Vauxhall Frontera
(Not the most reliable but look quite good)
I suspect you would be able to get a Shogun within budget or a Landcruiser maybe even a Freelander, but on your budget probably not a Freelander II and the Freelander I is really not to be recommended. You may even get an older Discovery, but you could be looking at an unreliable one on your budget so be carefull on the Land Rovers.
This is just a list of 4x4s that came off the top of my head and is far from definitive. I haven't even considered cars. 4x4s are generally heavier than cars on fuel and in my experience more expensive to insure. Not such an issue if you are middle aged and have a full ncd, but if you are 19 and have 9 points could be a major issue.
We had a Vauxhall Frontera 2.2 dti Limited which was a fantastic towcar and the only major problem we had after driving 30,000+ miles was the turbo going which cost about £500 to fix. It towed our twin axle Bailey 620/6 (1500kg) no problems. We're thinking of getting another when we get our dream van (when the kids leave home lol). My hubbys uncle has the older version of the Frontera (M reg) and they have been all over with it with their caravan. Can't comment on any other 4x4s as not had any others but thought you would like to know of our experience of towing with the Frontera. Just bear in mind that most cars no matter what model/make/age etc are bound to experience problems of some sort especially if you get the Friday afternoon lemon.
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
we are thinking of that fact now and may keep for now and do flat as much as poss til can afford a bit more. You have all given super advice for future though when we get our twin axle home on wheels. Next step give all your ideas a test drive!!!! that'll be fun!!
Another vote for the Frontera. I've had 3 in the past and they are very capable and good value. At the amount you want to spend I don't think you'll be able to beat it (look for Limited edition as it will have all the kit, Bullbars, sidesteps etc).
Good luck
PS Avoid the early 1st generation Freelanders- too many problems!
Another vote for the Frontera. They are a fantasic puller I have the limited 2.2dti. bull bars steps etc. Pulls like a tractor. and had no probs at all with it since i bought it 5 years ago,only tyres and brakes have had attention. it pulls my swift no probs.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
Quote: Originally posted by Bill Terry on 17/8/2009
Another vote for the Frontera. They are a fantasic puller I have the limited 2.2dti. bull bars steps etc. Pulls like a tractor. and had no probs at all with it since i bought it 5 years ago,only tyres and brakes have had attention. it pulls my swift no probs.
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Topic: tow car £2,000 budget
it pulls my swift no probs.
